Indonesia ferry fire kills five as hundreds rescued
JAKARTA - An Indonesian ferry fire killed at least five people on July 20, the country's coast guard said, while more than 200 others were saved with many jumping overboard to flee the huge blaze.
The KM Barcelona 5 ferry was engulfed in flames off the coast of Sulawesi island, Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency said, just weeks after at least 19 people were killed when a
ferry sank off the popular resort island of Bali .
'Five people were reported dead, two of whom have yet to be identified. Meanwhile, 284 people have been evacuated safely,' the agency, also known as Bakamla, said in a statement.
The fire broke out at the ferry's stern as it was on its way to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, with some passengers jumping overboard with life jackets, the statement said.
Fishermen also helped evacuate the victims to nearby islands, the statement added. Those injured were taken to the nearest health facility, Bakamla added.
The accident happened about one hour away from the resort town of Likupang, in the northern tip of Sulawesi, Manado search and rescue agency head, George Leo Mercy Randang, told AFP.
A video released by the Manado agency showed a Bakamla vessel spraying water on the ferry, which was still emitting thin black smoke.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Priority for singles, higher quota for second-timer families to kick in from HDB's July BTO exercise
Singapore Bukit Panjang LRT disruptions in July both linked to newly installed power system: SMRT
Singapore 1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung
Asia Johor Bahru collision claims lives of e-hailing driver and Singapore passenger
Sport Arsenal arrive in Singapore for pre-season matches with AC Milan and Newcastle
Business Crypto exchange Tokenize to shut down Singapore operations
Singapore More initiatives and support for migrant community announced at Racial Harmony Day event
Singapore ComfortDelGro to discipline driver who flung relative's wheelchair out of taxi
'What is important is that we are prioritising rescue before nightfall,' George told AFP, without confirming the total number of people who were on board the ferry.
Neither he nor Bakamla gave a cause for the fire.
Marine accidents are a regular occurrence in the Southeast Asian archipelago of around 17,000 islands, in part due to lax safety standards or bad weather.
The ferry sinking en route to Bali this month was attributed to bad weather.
In March, a boat carrying 16 people capsized in rough waters off Bali, killing an Australian woman and injuring at least one other person.
In 2018, more than 150 people drowned when a ferry sank in one of the world's deepest lakes on Sumatra island. AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
21 minutes ago
- Straits Times
France welcomes release of Franco-American national held in Venezuela
Find out what's new on ST website and app. PARIS - France on Monday welcomed the release of Lucas Hunter, a Franco-American national, who has been detained in Venezuela since January, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday. "France applauds the efforts of the U.S State Department to secure his release," it said. Hunter, 37, was among 10 Americans detained in Venezuela, whose release was announced by U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday. The release was part of a coordinated prisoner exchange, with El Salvador's government sending detained Venezuelans home in exchange for the return to the U.S. of 10 Americans held in Venezuela. REUTERS
Straits Times
21 minutes ago
- Straits Times
New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety
Find out what's new on ST website and app. On July 11, a new Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute was launched. SINGAPORE - With discussions on nuclear energy progressing around the world, Singapore is now building its expertise in this area with the launch of a new nuclear research and safety institute. On July 11, the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) was launched with an expanded research scope, additional funding, and an aim to train up 100 nuclear experts by 2030 – up from the 50 today. The institute's predecessor was the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, which did not have its own building. There are at least two benefits of training Singapore's own pool of talent in this area. First, it could help Singapore better assess the suitability of deploying nuclear energy reactors here. Given different geographies, countries will have different access to energy resources. Some may be more endowed with renewable energy resources, such as wind or solar, compared to other nations, which may have to look to alternatives such as nuclear or geothermal energy. Even for countries considering nuclear energy, what works in one location may not work in another. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 Singapore Fine, driving ban for bus driver who hit lorry, causing fractures to passenger and injuring 16 others Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip This is where it is essential to have talent with a keen understanding of local constraints and considerations, to be able to properly assess the risks and benefits of incorporating nuclear energy into the energy mix. Second, given that other countries in South-east Asia have indicated interest in tapping nuclear energy, local capabilities will put Singapore in a better position to understand the technology. This could improve national response to any radiological incidents in the region, should they occur. Five Asean countries – Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand – have said they are either studying the feasibility of advanced nuclear technology to meet their growing energy needs, or already have plans to build new reactors in the coming decades. Dr Michael Short, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's department of nuclear science and engineering, said the new institute will better help Singapore assess risks from regional nuclear facilities, and domestic ones as well if the Republic decides to deploy them. 'If Singapore doesn't build up nuclear expertise, it will be left both behind and at unknown risk of issues from Asean neighbours,' he said. But if the country were to build up its domestic capabilities in nuclear, it could boost its domestic risk assessments, and ensure greater safety for the region. Dr Victor Nian, founding co-chairman of independent think-tank Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources, said the launch of the institute is important for Singapore to 'accelerate its capacity building' in nuclear energy. SNRSI can help advance Singapore's collective knowledge in nuclear energy, he said. The institute can also help Singapore get plugged into international nuclear dialogues and collaborations, which could boost the Republic's engagement in nuclear research and public engagement. The launch of the institute is a significant step forward in the nation's approach to nuclear energy. In 2012, Singapore had initially considered atomic power unsuitable for the small island state. Dr Alvin Chew, senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at NTU, said Singapore had mooted the idea of nuclear energy deployment almost two decades ago to shore up its energy resilience. But the large conventional nuclear fission plants, which are the predominant types in operation currently, were not suitable for the densely populated country. Under regulations set by the UN atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, an emergency planning zone outside the facility is needed for the location of a nuclear power plant, he said. Since then, there have been multiple advancements from Singapore's original position. In particular, small modular reactors gained traction in the mid-2010s, said Dr Chew. These reactors are thought to be more suitable for land-scarce, population-dense Singapore as they have a lower power capacity, enhanced safety standards and require much smaller buffer zones, compared with conventional reactors. 'Therefore, Singapore is keeping the nuclear option open as SMRs will be deployed in the near future,' he said. In 2022, a report by the Energy Market Authority mentioned that emerging technology, including nuclear and geothermal, could potentially supply around 10 per cent of Singapore's energy needs by 2050. The EMA, which monitors emerging energy technologies, has also gone on learning trips to other countries such as the UK and Germany to learn from the best minds in nuclear energy. Singapore has also signed agreements with other countries to learn more about the nuclear technologies and scientific research. The new institute marks the next step in the country's journey: from a horizon scan of emerging nuclear technologies to investing in its own capabilities for research. Safety will continue to be a focus. This is key, since the impacts of a nuclear accident will be more consequential in densely populated areas like in Singapore, said Dr Chew. For example, the new five-storey building will have nuclear safety simulation labs where researchers create computer software to model virtual replicas of advanced reactors and run accident scenarios to assess their risks and what could happen during a meltdown. Studies are also done in radiobiology labs to assess the effects of chronic, low-dose radiation on the human body. Dr Dinita Setyawati, a senior energy analyst at energy think-tank Ember, said the nuclear safety research signals to the public that any potential deployment is grounded in scientific evidence and robust safety standards. This could go some ways in establishing long-term public trust. Experts have said that engagement with the public on the risks and benefits of nuclear energy is critical, as public perception could influence policy decisions. A good starting point to gauge public perception would be to carry out surveys to understand the public's level of awareness, as well as opinion, on the use of nuclear energy.
Straits Times
21 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Thai police uncover two Chinese-led online fraud rings
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The network defrauded members of the public through fake investment schemes and money mule operations. BANGKOK - Chiang Mai police have arrested three suspects linked to two Chinese-led online fraud rings, uncovering a network that defrauded the public through fake investment schemes and money mule operations. Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot , Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), revealed on July 21 that intensified crackdowns on cybercrime are underway across the country. Following a coordination meeting held on July 18, which brought together representatives from multiple agencies to review recent operations and issue renewed directives for continued enforcement, officials reported several notable developments in cybercrime cases. One of the most notable cases, reported by Provincial Police Region 5, involved the raid of a luxury pool villa in Chiang Mai's Hang Dong district, where a Chinese-led gang had allegedly set up an online gambling and investment scam operation targeting elderly Chinese nationals. Online gambling scam linked to over 500 million baht in losses Acting on intelligence reports, police raided the villa located in the Ban Waen subdistrict and found 14 Chinese nationals, consisting of 11 men and three women, as well as three Myanmar nationals - a man and two women - inside. The suspects were caught actively operating fraudulent platforms aimed at luring elderly Chinese citizens aged 60 to 80 into bogus online investments. Officers seized 10 desktop computers and 26 mobile phones used in the scam. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 Singapore Fine, driving ban for bus driver who hit lorry, causing fractures to passenger and injuring 16 others Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip According to investigators, the gang used Thailand as a base to run a call centre scheme that encouraged victims to invest via mobile applications. Once funds were transferred, contact with the victims was immediately severed. This group had recently relocated their operation from San Sai district to Hang Dong, reportedly under the direction of a Chinese national acting as the operation's ringleader. The move followed a police crackdown on another Chinese-run scam operation at a luxury housing estate in San Sai on June 16. Visa loopholes and university involvement Forensic analysis of seized equipment revealed that the suspects had entered Thailand on tourist or student visas. In many cases, those on student visas could not even name the institutions they were allegedly attending. A subsequent investigation found that at least five universities in Chiang Mai—both monastic and private—had issued student visas to over 13,000 Chinese nationals. Authorities believe some of these individuals exploited the visa system to reside in Thailand and carry out fraud against fellow Chinese citizens. Preliminary estimates suggest over 100,000 Chinese victims were defrauded, with losses totalling more than 100 million yuan (S$17.9 million). All suspects are now in custody and face charges, including public fraud and involvement in transnational criminal networks. Authorities will coordinate with the Chinese consulate for further verification and intend to expand the investigation to identify and dismantle the wider network. Thai police bust gang linked to call centre scam, seizing millions Chiang Mai Provincial Police have arrested three suspects, including one Thai woman and two Chinese men, in connection with fraud and computer crimes. The arrests were made following a warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court for their involvement in deceiving the public and falsifying data through computer systems, which could potentially harm the public. The arrests stemmed from a report received by the Mae Ping Police Station about a quarrel between a Chinese man and a Thai woman in front of an ATM at a popular shopping mall in central Chiang Mai. Upon intervention, officers found scattered cash totalling over 2.6 million baht (S$103,090), prompting them to bring the suspects to the station for further investigation. Investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a larger scam operation, led by a Chinese mastermind who tricked both Chinese and Thai nationals into investing in fraudulent schemes. The two Chinese men arrested were responsible for managing a group of money mules who would withdraw funds and deliver them to the boss. The Thai woman, who had taken on her first task as a money mule to pay off her debts, was caught during the operation. Police are expanding their investigation to uncover the full scope of the criminal network involved. Gen Thatchai emphasised that with the rapid advancement of technology, online crime has become a significant threat to individuals and society. In particular, the issue of 'money mule' accounts has emerged as a key method for criminals to launder money and defraud the public. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive strategy and cooperation from all sectors. 'The key to combating online crime is intercepting it at the source,' Gen Thatchai said. 'This includes addressing the use of companies as channels for money laundering and the opening of money mule accounts, both by Thai citizens and foreigners, which are exploited in criminal activities.' The police have stepped up measures to control financial transactions, particularly those involving illegal cross-border withdrawals and transfers. Additionally, Gen Thatchai highlighted the importance of preventing Thai nationals from illegally crossing borders to work in foreign countries, which often leads them to become victims or accomplices in call centre scams. 'We must have clear processes in place to repatriate Thai nationals involved in such activities to ensure efficient and humane handling of these cases,' Gen Thatchai concluded. 'This will help expedite legal actions and ensure the process is conducted in accordance with human rights principles.' THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
